Rio's Piri Piri Lozells — Restaurant in Birmingham

I’ve got to say, I have so much respect for the owner of this place. Even though he isn’t on the shop floor, you can clearly see the pride and care he puts into his business. The shop is always spotless, beautifully presented, and decorated with real thought and attention to detail. It gives off such a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable the moment you walk in. What really stands out, though, is the staff. They’re not just efficient and professional – they’re genuinely warm, friendly, and approachable. I’ve seen them greet regular customers by name, share a laugh with people, and take the time to make everyone feel welcome. They manage to balance being quick and organised with still treating people like individuals, not just numbers in a queue. I’ve also noticed how they handle different situations with patience and kindness. Whether it’s taking extra time with elderly customers, chatting with children to make them feel included, or remembering someone’s usual order, they show a level of care that you don’t find everywhere. Even on the busiest days, they still manage to make people feel valued. You can tell the staff enjoy working here too, and I think that comes from the high standards the owner sets. His effort behind the scenes, combined with the team’s attitude on the shop floor, creates something really special. It’s also important to remember that the staff are human too – just like the customers. They have good days and bad days, yet they still show up with a smile and put in the effort to make sure people leave happy. That kind of attitude deserves respect. If more workplaces and businesses carried themselves with this same balance of pride, professionalism, and humanity, the world really would be a better place. Full respect to the owner and his team – they’re doing an amazing job, and it shows in every detail. It’s rare to see this level of pride and effort, and it honestly makes all...

Today I ordered food via Justeat at 19.37, nothing extraordinary: just a family platter, some nuggets and extra wings, given an estimated delivery of 32mins. Called back at 20.12 and told that there would be a delay, but would be a max of 45-50mins (so no later than 9pm - which is still 1.5hr after ordering!!). No choice but to agree, as kids excited, awaiting their food and no other arrangements made due to special occasion for one of my children. Called the restaurant at 21.09 for update, told its gone out with driver. Called again at 21.29, very angry by this time, told that driver had been out for a while and had 2 deliveries with him and to wait 5 more mins. Called back at 21.51 now as kids falling asleep, hungry and told its just left within 5mins. Diabolical. Checked my ring camera and can see delivery was made at 21.59 by restaurant (not justeat). No apology, no reparation, and the order was missing sauce I'd asked for too. Kids fell asleep having not eaten, so occasion was completely ruined. Only thing I was advised by staff when calling was 'it's a Friday night, we're busy'.. no way sherlock, improve your management of wait times, staffing levels, anticipation of service demands and make reparations for people waiting 2.5hours for food! Out of principle, will not order from here again. If management had dealt with it better, I would have felt less annoyed. Good food, terrible wait times, terrible customer service. So angry on this occasion, especially at how no care was given to how ridiculous their delivery time was!

The below was my review previously, which shows I've been a customer for a while, and will leave here for fairness, but will not return to ordering from here:

Ordered twice recently and food has been really good both times. Order taken over phone, swiftly ready upon collection and cooked so well. Really enjoyed by all the family, and will...

Update on review (26/11): Surprised to have had unconventional contact from the store owner this afternoon, however, the exchange was constructive. The owner was pleasant, polite and respectful, kindly advising he simply wanted to learn from the negative review so that he & his team can take necessary action (if/where appropriate) and avoid any slack.

Sharing my thoughts, one being that it may well have been the rice that was off, he explained the flavour of my order (Mango & Lime) is quite strong, sometimes overpowering, though he appreciated this was my regular flavour/order so I'd be familiar with its taste/scent. He explained that the flavour comes as a powder & it could have been poorly mixed as every other ingredient is freshly made thus can't have been the rice.

To conclude, he apologised and expressed wanting to send a fresh, repeat, order this evening to make up for any inconvenience though I did say whilst this was super kind it is completely unnecessary. I tried to, and would like to reiterate again, this experience isn't one to turn us away from future purchases & thank you for taking pride in your quality of food, maintaining HMC certification & providing a respectful service! May Allah continue to put baraqa in your business (ameen, thumma ameen)!

P.s. Thank you for the food delivered today, it was absolutely spot on!

Original review 25/11 - 1 star: Ordered via Just Eat earlier, the burrito tasted off & smelt like it too. I'm not sure if it was the rice or another ingredient within it but I couldn't eat it so threw away. Unfortunately it's already made my stomach upset. Disappointed as there's very few HMC approved outlets and this place was a...